A Beautiful Wedding and Outdoor Reception

We awoke to an overcast sky but that was nothing new. Since we had arrived in Ohio, we had not seen the sun, but this was the wedding day and the reception was to be outdoors. Things did not look good but we were excited anyways about the upcoming day, even if it did rain.

And it did. The whole drive to Michigan there was a continuous but gentle rain.

About 35 minutes from the church, my husband says, “The alternator is having issues.” Oh, no, this was not a good thing! We pulled off the next exit to get gas because we were on E completely and was fortunate that just about 1/2 mile up the road there was an Auto Zone where we picked up a spare alternator.

Then we continued up the interstate wanting to get as far as we could before the battery went dead and just hoping that it would take us all the way. At some point, Russell says, “The alternator must be working a little because the battery is holding.” (meaning not losing its power) Whew! What a relief this was to hear. We didn’t want to miss this special day and besides both my sons were groomsmen and I wanted to see them, too.

So we drove on for another 30 minutes.

And here is when we realized the miracle.

As soon as we turned onto the road where the church was located, the alternator gauge started plummeting and the windshield wipers slowed to a crawl – all indications that your battery is about to go dead and you will be going nowhere! We were able to pull into the church parking lot and park. The van could not be restarted once we turned off the engine because there wasn’t enough battery juice to do it but we were there. I believe it was the Lord and I am so blessed to have been a part of this miracle.

It was a little country church surrounded by woods – a very lovely setting. (kind of hard to get a good picture when you’re standing in the rain and the wedding is going to begin momentarily)

The paige’s handing out the program and maps.

“Together”

And while I was inside out of the rain, my husband was outside replacing the alternator. All of us who rode in the van had to find other rides but thankfully, after 2 hours, it was finally fixed and he was able to join us for the rest of the evening. 🙂

What a beautiful location for the reception. There was only one problem. We first had to traverse the muddy swamp that the ground had become due to the rain to get to the gazebo where the reception would be.

Not wanting to ruin their shoes…

 The reception was beautiful especially since I really like the vintage look that is so popular these days.

It was located in the secluded woods owned by the Knights of Columbus

This beautiful and eclectic arrangement was what you saw as you walked up to the gazebo.

I love the swags of burlap. (The spots are wet spots on my camera lens. oops)

Appetizer table.

My boys.

My good friend (the aunt of the bride) and I holding our grandbabies. What?! We’re grandmothers already? Where did the years go?

Blessings and best wishes to the happy couple.

So glad we could be there!